National Committee Elections 2026 – Meet the Candidates: James Belderbos

I strongly believe in Resolution’s Code of Practice and the values it represents.

Why do you want to apply to be on the National Committee?

I strongly believe in Resolution’s Code of Practice and the values it represents, which closely align with my own approach to family law and professional leadership. From my first Dispute Resolution Conference, it was clear to me that Resolution was the professional community in which I wished to play an active role.

I am seeking election to the National Committee to contribute at a strategic level and to support Resolution’s continued growth and relevance nationally. I am keen to build stronger engagement with local practitioners in the East Midlands, drawing on my experience as Regional Liaison Committee Representative and learning from the effective regional advocacy demonstrated by former National Committee members.

I am also motivated to promote the role of niche family law practices within Resolution. I believe these firms play a vital part in embedding Resolution’s values in daily practice and in supporting innovation, collaboration and high professional standards.

What skills and experience will you bring to the role as a National Committee member?

I bring practical leadership, governance and growth experience developed through establishing and running a niche family law practice since 2020. Having broken away from a mixed-discipline firm, I have built a sustainable and profitable specialist practice in a small market town, growing it to a team of four full-time family law solicitors while investing consistently in training and Resolution-led practice.

Alongside practice leadership, I have played an active role within Resolution locally, serving on the Leicestershire Resolution Committee and currently acting as Regional Liaison Committee Representative. Through this work, I have helped revive regional engagement and strengthen links between local practitioners, Resolution nationally, and external stakeholders, including contributing to policy discussions with my local MP on cohabitation reform.

These experiences equip me to contribute constructively to National Committee discussions, combining strategic thinking with a strong understanding of regional and practitioner needs.

How have you been involved in and benefitted from Resolution as a member?

I have been an active Resolution member for many years and was invited to take on the role of Leicestershire Regional Liaison Committee Representative in 2021 by former National Committee member Bina Modi.

In this capacity, I have attended and contributed to regular RLC meetings, promoted Resolution locally, and worked with the committee to re-establish a strong and engaged regional presence. This has included supporting regional contributions to The Review and engaging with local MPs on matters aligned with Resolution’s policy work.

Resolution has also been central to my professional development. Attendance at Dispute Resolution Conferences followed my collaborative training and led me to train as a mediator and further embed constructive dispute resolution within my practice. The national community has enabled me to develop trusted professional relationships, adopt best practice, and contribute confidently at regional and national level.